Surviving game as a barbarian Episode 553

Déjà Vu (2)

A royal order

Since the king was bedridden, it was clear the order had been issued with the chancellor’s approval.

Even so, I had only one option.

“…I shall obey the royal command.”

Unless I planned to kill all the witnesses and lie about never receiving such an order, there was no way to refuse.

“The royal family will remember Baron Jandel’s loyalty.”

Jerome’s smooth smile was irritating, but I tried to focus on the positives.

Joining the expeditionary force under his command?

It would mean I’d lose a lot of freedom on the first basement floor. Even if he pulled some stupid moves, I wouldn’t have a way to do something.

Unlike now, when I have a monopoly on everything, I’d have to settle for scraps of loot distributed according to set shares.

However…

‘With this force, we can do anything.’

It was like getting a cheat code.

At least, I wouldn’t have to worry about lacking brute strength while exploring the first floor.

Whether it was the Library Island, which we hadn’t fully explored yet, the Tree Island, half of which was still shrouded in mystery, or the Giant Island with the colossal giant still on it.

With this force, anything was possible.

In other words, the chance of escaping this floor and returning to the city had risen dramatically…

“Now then, shall we start by organizing the information? By any chance, do you have a journal? I heard that explorers often keep journals recording their activities.”

Geez, he’s seriously trying to freeload everything.

In this place where information was worth more than gold, it felt less like dealing with the royal army and more like being robbed by bandits.

Therefore…

“Before we get into sharing information, I’d like to first discuss the matter of loot.”

I decided to address this issue first.

“Hmm, the loot?”

“Yes, the royal command says I’m to work under your command, but it doesn’t say how we need to treat you”.

“That’s certainly true. But don’t worry too much. Our expedition isn’t here for petty cash, and the royal court has instructed us to ensure your convenience.”

“Still, I’d like to set some things straight.”

“You will remain in command of the explorers under you. And, the profits from your explorations will remain entirely yours – with one condition.

I would retain my position, and my exploration profits would remain untouched.

That was fortunate, but the ominous phrase slipped in the middle left me uneasy.

“Except for one case…?”

“This expedition is for the bright future of the kingdom and its people. Be it essence, materials, equipment, or special magical items—anything that has never before existed in the world will be taken by our expedition corps for public research.”

In short, they would seize anything that was a first discovery.

Honestly, my first thought was, “Who are these bastards? But Jerome skillfully used the carrot and stick strategy.”

“However, I promise we won’t lay a finger on anything the baron has obtained so far. How does that sound?”

Geez, he’s acting like he’s giving me a huge favor for something that’s just basic courtesy.

Is this because of his long experience as a commander?

I almost felt comforted by his words without realizing it.

“A promise is good.”

“Then it’s settled—”

“But, one more thing.”

Seeing him try to wrap things up, I quickly interjected.

“I’m listening. Go on.”

“I want a share in the first discoveries too.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Even if my contribution is overwhelming?”

“Yes.”

Tsk, alright, that’s not happening.

His stubbornness was beyond what I’d expected, trying to argue further would just be a waste of time.

Still, I wasn’t about to give up here.

“Then, for second discoveries, give me priority.”

“Priority…”

“Yeah. If it’s for research, one should be enough, right? You also said earlier that petty cash doesn’t matter to you.”

“Hmm… Can I discuss this with the vice-commander for a moment?”

I nodded, and Jerome stepped aside to consult with the vice-commander.

About five minutes later, at Jerome’s gesture, the mage lifted the voice control spell, and his voice became audible again.

“If Baron Jandel plays a major role or gains something on his own, we will grant priority. How does that sound?”

“And who decides what counts as a ‘major role’?”

“Well—”

“Too vague. Make it concrete. Aside from the items I secure myself, grant me first pick from the shared discoveries three times.”

Jerome looked at his Deputy Commander again.

Is he some kind of personal advisor to the Commander?

I couldn’t be sure, but he seemed to conclude that this matter didn’t need further discussion.

“Very well. For any discoveries that aren’t firsts of their kind, you will be given priority exactly three times, Baron Jandel.”

He extended his hand for a handshake, and I took it.

“Let’s work well together until we return to the city.”

“Likewise.”

And our uncomfortable partnership began.

***
After the loot settlement.

The 38 explorers, led by the Anabada clan, were temporarily incorporated into the royal army.

Our official designation was the Temporary 4th Squad of the 1st Expedition Force.

Although my squad was smaller than the other 3 squad with 60 members each, it was unavoidable to preserve my command authority.

Perhaps because of that, Jerome didn’t redistribute the members, and I didn’t insist either.

Once the organizational changes were done, we held an information-sharing session.

“Sir Basilus, go and review their research records.”

“Yes… It’s been a while, Miss Amblet.”

“Ah, yes… Hello…”

“How is your Master doing?”

“I suppose… he’s doing fine…?”

“Haha, now that I think about it, I should have been the one bringing the news instead of the other way around. Anyway, now that we’ve exchanged pleasantries, could I see your research records? I’ll read them first before asking any questions to make things easier for you.”

“…Here they are…”

The top-ranking mage from the royal expedition forces approached our three mages and essentially plundered the research they had painstakingly compiled.

Meanwhile…

“Now, Baron, would you mind sharing what’s happened so far?”

I briefed Jerome on the characteristics of this floor and the islands we’d visited.

What intrigued him the most was the “Rainy Season.”

“A fascinating phenomenon. Monsters pouring from the sky.”

“Still, don’t worry too much. There are a few safe zones in this floor where you can take shelter.”

So far, we’d confirmed three safe zones:

The Library Island, which Hamsiki had confirmed as safe.

The cave on Giant Island, which the Hex Clan had used as a hideout.

And finally, the village ruled by the village chief.

“Commander—”

“Haha, just call me by my family name.”

“Saintred… You should know one more thing.”

After some thought I also told him about the “Chief.”

“…the Dragon Knight Cornelius Brungrid?”

“That’s what the creature claims.”

I wasn’t sure how his existence would affect the royal army, but they’d find out sooner or later. And with the exit there, we had no choice but to pass through anyway.”

“Do you know anything about him? The more I interacted with him, the more suspicious he seemed.”

I shared my experiences, hoping for additional information, but unfortunately, Jerome knew nothing.

However…

“A monster claiming to be Gavrilius’ companion… That is suspicious.”

If nothing else, his decisiveness was impressive.

“In that case, our first expedition should be to that island.”

“…You’re going straight there?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Besides, you said he can communicate. Interrogating him for information would be the most rational approach.”

Well… That’s true, but…

The way he said it so matter-of-factly left me at a loss for words.

Technically, he wasn’t wrong.

‘…With this force, we could just capture him right away.’

Even brute force becomes rational when you have the strength to back it up.

I knew that better than anyone.

‘But… why do I feel so uneasy?’

For now, I decided to dissuade him.

“Instead of rushing, why not investigate the other islands first?”

“Hmm?”

“The exit seems to be on that island, but I suspect there’s a condition to open it. Wouldn’t it be better to find that out before heading there?”

“Didn’t you notice me? You looked over here several times during the briefing.”

It seemed wiser to explore the easier areas first, assess the competence of the expeditionary force, and then proceed to the Chief’s Island.

Even if the current force seemed sufficient, history has shown that military strength isn’t everything.

“I don’t see any reason to take such a roundabout approach, but I shouldn’t disregard the words of someone who’s been here longer. Very well. We’ll proceed as you suggest.”

Okay, he is surprisingly easy to convince…

“Then, Which location do you think we should visit first?”

Without hesitation, I answered:

“The library. Library Island would be best.”

After all, I hadn’t gotten the experience from the top shelf monsters yet.

***
Once our destination was decided, we headed to the rocky island’s shore and summoned our boats.

There were four ships in total, with each squad boarding their assigned vessel, though there was a bit of crew shuffling.

“Sir Basilus says he needs more time to copy the research. Can we bring your three mages aboard our ship? We’ll send three of ours to fill the gap.”

“…Fine.”

Our three mages temporarily joined the expeditionary force’s ship, while three replacement mages from their side were assigned to ours.

And then…

“Long time… no see?”

I unexpectedly saw a familiar face.

“Raven…? How are you here…?”

“What do you mean, how? Orders came from above. I was told to join the expeditionary force.”

“Ah… You’re a soldier, right.”

“But seriously, you’re only noticing me now? You glanced my way several times during the briefing.

“I was just scanning the crowd.”

“Ah… I see.”

Raven fiddled with her hair awkwardly.

I was baffled. Did she really expect me to recognize her in a crowd of 180 people? She’s so short, she barely stood out.

“Anyway, it’s good to see you. Get on the boat—we’ll talk on the way.”

“After Raven and the two unfamiliar mages boarded, Aynar, who was already on the ship, rushed over.

“Aru-ru!! Aru-ru! Aru-ru!!”

“Ahk! Let—let go! That hurts!!”

“Ah, sorry!”

As Aynar released her, Raven smoothed out her crumpled uniform and sighed.

“Miss Pheneline is… still the same.”

“On the outside, yes.”

“Outside…?”

“She consumed an essence, and there’s an issue with it…. You’ll see soon enough.”

“Really?”

While we were talking, Auyen reported that the lead ship had signaled us to depart, so we set off at once.

Whoooosh—!

Leading the way was the Anabada clan’s ship, followed by three military ships.

Our ship wasn’t bad, but seeing theirs made me feel oddly inferior.

Bigger just looks better, doesn’t it?

Theirs could comfortably hold 60 people, with plenty of deck space and common quarters to spare.

“We meet again.”

“Yes. Hello, Miss Raines.”

Members familiar with Raven came up to greet her.

Amelia’s tone was formal.

“It’s been a while…”

“Ah… Yes, it has.”

“…….”

Erwin’s interaction was dripping with awkwardness.

Though not as bad as Misha’s.

“Hi…”

“Ah, yes… Hello, Miss Misha…”

Sigh, watching them is suffocating.

Weren’t they close before?

“I’d heard about you from Mr. Jandel, but this is the first time we’ve actually met, right?”

“Mmm… Sorry about that… I disappeared… without saying anything…”

“No, no! I’m sure you had your reasons, Miss Misha…”

It wasn’t as if they had argued like Erwin when the team disbanded, so I didn’t understand why they acting were so distant.

‘Wait, maybe that’s exactly why it’s awkward?’

Hmm, maybe that was it.

Raven had no idea where Misha had been all this time, and the atmosphere wasn’t suitable for that particular conversation.

“Anyway, I’m glad everyone’s safe. I was a little worried when all contact was cut off after you descended to the first underground floor.”

“Just ‘a little’? That’s a bit disappointing.”

“…What are you even saying?” Raven replied in an annoyed tone.

Normally, she’d just ignore it and move on.

But judging by her tone and voice, she seemed a bit stressed today.

“Never mind that. By the way, do you know about this?”

“How would I know unless you tell me?”

“Sir Kaislan. The one who accompanied you on that expedition before.”

“Kaislan? What about him? Did he cause trouble outside?”

“No. He’s also part of this expedition force. But I guess you didn’t see him either.”

Well, that’s a surprise.

I hadn’t expected there’d be another familiar face in the expedition force.

‘Kaislan’s dependable.’

And given his position, he must have some leadership role, so there’s a good chance I’ll know what they’re up to.

“What about Liris Marone? She was a military mage too—didn’t she come along?”

“I don’t think she’s here. Oh, but he is!”

“Who?”

Curious, I asked, and Raven—who loved explaining things—nodded and answered.

“Sir Sven Parav. The paladin from Reatlas Church.”

Huh, I never expected him to be here.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you don’t remember him? You went on an
expedition together.”

“No… Of course I remember.”

Paladin Sven Parav.

He is the Goblin Mask.

His defining characteristic? His absurd 6th sense.

During the Ice Rock expedition, he contributed multiple times by relying on his inexplicable gut feelings.

And during the Berzak incident, he even refused to enter the labyrinth, saying he had a bad feeling and made up some excuse.

“Raven, did anything unusual happen with him? Like refusing the summons or getting sick on the day of departure?”

It was a shot in the dark, but I asked anyway. Raven, however, stared at me, eyes wide.

“Huh? How did you know he got sick that day?”

‘…Wait, seriously?’

……Suddenly, I began to feel incredibly uneasy.

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